Illinois State Police
News Release

Officials Welcome Commemorative Steel and Display for Public Viewing at Illinois State Police Headquarters

Springfield – The Illinois State Police and Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation (ISPHF) officially unveiled an artifact of World Trade Center (WTC) Steel from Ground Zero. The Steel, identified as I-003e in the Port Authority’s World Trade Center Archive Artifact Inventory, was presented to the ISPHF.

The Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation was founded in 2004 and is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to honoring the lives and memories of our fallen heroes.

All 50 states were to receive one piece of Steel from the World Trade Center. The ISPHF was selected exclusively among Illinois agencies to receive the Steel from the NYC Port Authority.

The process of obtaining the piece took roughly four months. The Steel is a portion of I-beam approximately 27 by 12 inches and weighing 115 pounds.

The WTC Steel commemorative is permanently on display at the Illinois State Police Headquarters Building in Springfield. It is located in the lobby on the first floor on 7th Street adjacent to the names and stars of fallen ISP Officers. A special display case supports the Steel and is open to the viewing public.

“This historical Steel is a reflection of the men and women who gave their lives on that fateful day. It reminds us that we shall never forget those who have served bravely and heroically – like the fallen Troopers who have given their lives in the name of integrity, service, and pride,” said Adron Cross, ISP Heritage Foundation President.

“A piece of American history will forever remind us of all the men, women, soldiers, policemen, and firemen that died on that unforgettable day,” said ISP Director Hiram Grau. “Our Agency is proud and honored to house a piece of Ground Zero Steel, and we will cherish its memory and meaning for many decades to come,” he added.